Browse Five Steps to Becoming a Firefighter Articles

Human instinct is to run away from fire for fear of being injured or killed. Firefighters are the only ones who run toward a burning building in search of people in need of help. They are willing to risk their lives for complete strangers regardless of race, creed, color, or socioeconomic status. What is it that motivates them to do this? ...

*+Volunteer Firefighters+* Over ninety percent of the firefighters in the United States are volunteer firefighters. These men and women live in the community and want to make it a safer place. Frequently the local firehouse is the focal point in the community. The fire engines, and trucks are purchased with donations raised from the community. Becoming a volunteer firefighter is not ...

*+Basic Eligibility Requirements+* The fire department will post the entry-level requirements on the job description flyer. In order for a candidate’s application to be accepted, the minimum requirements must be met. While entry-level requirements vary from department to department, most require candidates to be at least 18 years of age. Some require applicants to be at least 21 years old. Most ...

*+Networking+* The best way to standout in the hiring process is to understand the role of a firefighter. A great way to gain knowledge and experience in the fire service is to become a volunteer or reserve firefighter. These candidates will have made a name for themselves long before the testing process. Candidates often volunteer for departmental activities. These activities include ...

*+Mental Conditioning+* It is extremely stressful to prepare for a manipulative exam knowing that if you don’t perform you will lose your job. Everyone in the academy has to perform to the minimum standards. There are NO exceptions. Being able to perform under pressure is critical. Remember, the training staff is there to help you be successful. The department has invested ...

*+Schedules and Timelines+* Most commonly firefighters work in 24-hour shifts, reporting to work at 0700 and work until 0700 the next day. Firefighters usually work a total of 56 hours per week (but since these hours are worked on a continual basis, firefighters enjoy a lot of time off). On the average, firefighters work ten 24-hour shifts each month, leaving them ...

Ever wonder what you need to do to break into the fire service? Written by Battalion Chief Paul Lepore, author of three best selling firefighter career how-to books, this 5-step guide offers aspiring firefighters unique insight on how to best position yourself for a successful firefighting career and what to expect your first year on the job. A special section by ...

Background investigations are an important component of the hiring process. They are completed by most fire departments across the country. Historically, fire departments have not placed as much emphasis on a thorough background check as their counterparts on the police department. A criminal check with the local police agency and a DMV check was the extent of what we used to ...

Due to popular demand, FireLink's Five Steps To Becoming a Firefighter is also available as a downloadable ebook. This ebook can be downloaded and printed to read at your convenience. Written and reviewed by experts in the fire and rescue community, Five Steps To Becoming a Firefighter has over 25 pages of invaluable information to set you on the right path ...

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